We had the pleasure of chatting with Kevin Offitzer, drummer for Stick Figure and mastermind behind Backstage Music Lessons. Stick Figure was set to embark on another massive run, the ‘Once In A Lifetime Summer Tour’. It was scheduled to begin this month, and span into early August 2020. They released their latest album, ‘World On Fire’ this past August. Collie Buddz, The Movement, and Iya Terra were due to be the supporting acts. All have agreed to stay onboard once the new dates are secured. Backstage Music Lessons however, continues to grow and push forward. We discussed all the details with Kevin, check out the interview below! Keep up on the latest with Backstage Music Lessons and Stick Figure via the links at the bottom!
Interview
Mitchy Dread – For those not familiar, what is Backstage Music Lessons?
Kevin Offitzer – Backstage Music Lessons is a network of touring musicians offering instruction while on tour, and online. Students have the option to book sessions with their favorite artists focusing on instruments, vocals, songwriting, production, or really any topic they’d like!
MD – How did you come up with the idea for Backstage Music Lessons?
KO– I had the idea of teaching while out on tour well before I found myself in a touring band. My good friend and fellow drummer Tim Luera of 96 Bitter Beings used to always get in touch with the drummers of our favorite bands growing up, so when they came through LA he would schedule a drum lesson onstage before the doors opened for the night. One in particular that sticks out was his lesson with Stanton Moore of Galactic. I told myself if I ever found my self in the position to be offering lessons while on tour I most definitely would. I went to Musicians Institute where I received a Bachelors Degree in music and felt comfortable offering lessons with the knowledge and skill developed through my studies over the years. My first “backstage” lesson was back in 2013 while out on tour supporting The Expendables. After a handful of years managing and scheduling my own lessons, I knew I could apply this method and encouraged other artists to do the same. A few brainstorming sessions with Stick Figure’s manager Thomas Cussins, and Backstage Music Lessons really began to take form in 2018. It’s been a lot of learning along the way but I am happy with things so far and look forward to building the brand and the artist roster, and dialing things more.
MD – How can artists get involved with Backstage Music Lessons?
KO – Artists can get involved by simply reaching out via the Contact page on our website. A lot of the roster has been built by referrals from current BML artists and students. I also have a lot of great relationships with many artists that Stick Figure has had the pleasure of touring with over the years.
MD – But there’s no concerts going on, do I have to wait for concerts to resume to sign up for a lesson?
KO – The lack of touring doesn’t mean the backstage experience has to stop! Many of our team are offering online sessions straight from their home studio. A few of them have been teaching online for years, so I’m happy to promote alongside them and fill out their schedule with students. With so many restrictions at the moment, it’s an excellent opportunity for people to utilize this time at home and take those lessons they’ve always considered for themselves or their kids.
MD – Normally you have a heavy touring schedule with Stick Figure, a beautiful family at home, and now the Backstage Music Lessons, you’re a busy guy! How has this shelter at home/Covid-19 pandemic altered you and your families lives?
KO – Haha, I sure do have a full plate! While I am concerned about the future of our touring capabilities, I have also tried to take advantage of this time and build up the functions of Backstage Music Lessons I wouldn’t normally have been able focus on as well. The website is a lot of tedious long work, so it’s been nice having long days at home to spend in front of the laptop. I’ve also been exploring more efficient ways to book and schedule new students. I think a lot of full time touring musicians have found this break as a chance to focus on all those side projects that weren’t given as much attention prior. The extra time to spend with family and friends has also been a blessing.
MD – What are some of the things you’ve been doing to pass the time during this crisis?
KO – Aside from working constantly on BML, I have been taking advantage of this time to practice drums as much as possible. I recently picked up a Roland V drum kit so I’m able to play anytime, and its made teaching lessons from home a lot easier. Working on the house and our veggie garden has also been a nice way to spend the days!
MD – I usually ask what is the must have snack on the tour bus, but with the pandemic, I ask what is your favorite quarantine snack?
KO – We’re lucky enough to have some great outdoor farmers markets close to our home, so we are able to eat fresh and local food all the time. I’ve been loving the local blueberries and strawberries in particular! Besides that, its been a healthy dose of breakfast burritos and the hottest salsa I can find 🙂
MD – On behalf of Dance Your Face Off, I would like to not only thank you for your time, but also wish you and your family health and blessings during these tough times!
KO – Thanks again, and for anyone who’s interested in learning more about BML or booking a lesson, head over to the website www.backstagemusiclessons.com
Reviews
“So a few years back I saw Kevin posting about drum lessons he was doing on his up coming tour. I messaged him and told him I’m not really a drummer but I’d love the chance to come and hang! So now we’ve had 3 drum lessons in Omaha and one NYE Orlando that was an Amazing Night!!! Then Me and my Cuz took a Lesson with Gary from The Movement here in Omaha she was so excited and it was a great time. Gary broke down the different styles and showed us the rhythms that go with each style!! Each lesson has been a Blast and Very Cool to Connect with Band Members!! I would highly Recommend BackStage Music Lessons to Everyone!” – Much ❤️💛💚 Lewis Miller
“In 2018, my wife surprised me for my birthday with Stick Figure tickets that included a drum lesson with Kevin before the show. I was stoked, not only my first lesson but to meet one of my favorite drummers. An hour before the show, we met up with Kevin who took us backstage at Fox Theater in Oakland. Very cool to see the historic venue behind the scenes and Kevin was such a genuine person who loved sharing his passion of music with me. We went over basic techniques and talked drumming and tour life. Really great, unique experience. I’ve been playing drums ever since and he was the one that got me started. Best birthday present ever!” – Tim Farrant
“I recently had the pleasure of taking a piano lesson with KBong. I discovered Stick Figure several years ago when they opened for Iration in Minneapolis. The music blew me away, and KBong’s presence on stage was unlike anything I had ever seen. Years later, as a diehard Stick Figure fan, I had the incredible opportunity to take 75 minutes of KBong’s time to work on my own music. Being new to the keys, we worked on some simple chords and scales. We talked about songwriting, production, and the world of reggae. Kevin Offitzer has created something really special with Backstage Music Lessons, and I can’t wait to take more lessons from KBong and some of my other favorite reggae artists.” – Lars Kragness
RootfireTV will also be hosting Kevin this week, who we have proudly partnered with! Rootfire started these streams to help artists raise funds during this pandemic. So far, over $39,000 has been raised through these sessions! You can catch Kevin’s stream this Wednesday, May 6, at 3PM PT / 6 PM ET. Check out everything else rootfire has going on here!
If you have ever been interested in picking up an instrument, the time is now! Backstage Music Lessons provides artists not only from Stick Figure, but many other top bands in the scene. Bands such as The Movement, Tribal Seeds, and Slightly Stoopid all have contributors. What better way to learn than learning and hanging with your favorite artist? Plus, you can learn anything from drums, guitar, and keys, to music production and more. Head on over to their website, you wont be disappointed with your experience!
Backstage Music Lessons – Website – Instagram – Facebook
Stick Figure – Website – Spotify – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – Apple Music – YouTube